It appears the 49ers will not have running back Brandon Jacobs (knee) or wide receiver and punt returner Ted Ginn Jr. (ankle) for the team’s home opener this Sunday night. Ginn missed Wednesday and Thursday’s practice with his tender ankle and on Friday he warmed up with the team in a gray shirt and shorts, while the rest of the team wore jerseys and shorts. He then left the field once practice started.
It means the return of Kyle Williams to Candlestick as the punt returner, the site, of course, of Williams’ gaffes in last year’s NFC Title game loss. Fans may be over booing Williams after he handled punts flawlessly in Green Bay and set up kicker David Akers 63-yard field goal with a 20-yard return right before the half.
However, Ginn, in last year’s 25-19 win in Detroit, rushed twice for 21 yards, caught two passes for 24 yards, averaged 26.3 yards on kick returns and 24.0 yards on three punt returns including one of 40 yards.
The 49ers used Ginn’s speed consistently on the fast Ford Field turf to surprise the Lions. Now, Williams and supposedly Randy Moss will fill those roles against the Lions on Sunday.
The 49ers could also use Jacobs and his short-yardage acumen. They faced 3rd-and-1 and a 3rd-and-2 last week in Green Bay and didn’t convert either one.
The Lions, meanwhile, will be short-handed in the secondary. Their best cornerback, Chris Houston ankle), is doubtful and so is starting safety Louis Delmas (knee).
UPDATE: Coach Jim Harbaugh was still holding out hope Jacobs and Ginn would play. “They’re getting darn close, we might have a shot this week.” Jacobs and Ginn are listed as “questionable.” If you had to bet, the good money says they won’t play.